New low-floor trams arrive in Osijek as part of €100 million transport upgrade

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Osijek has taken a major step forward in modernising its public transport system with the arrival of 10 new low-floor trams, marking the completion of a key European Union-funded project and signalling one of the largest investments in urban mobility in the city’s history.

The trams were delivered as part of the EU project “Procurement of New Low-Floor Trams for the Modernisation of Osijek’s Tram Fleet”, with a total value of almost €25 million. Around €20 million of the funding was secured through non-refundable EU grants under Croatia’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Deputy Mayor of Osijek Dragan Vulin described the project as a historic milestone for the city, noting that the new trams have already become part of everyday life for residents.

“This is a historic project – the procurement of 10 new low-floor trams that are already operating on city streets and have been experienced first-hand by the people of Osijek,” Vulin said.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The city is not stopping there. A further 10 low-floor trams are currently being procured, which will bring Osijek’s total to 20 brand-new trams. Once delivery is complete, the city will fully meet its operational needs, with 18 trams in service during peak hours and two kept in reserve.

“All trams will be new, which will significantly raise the quality of service for our citizens,” Vulin added.

Alongside the procurement of new vehicles, Osijek is completing a €45 million tram infrastructure modernisation project, which is now in its final phase. When combined, total investment in trams and infrastructure amounts to €95 million – nearly €100 million in public transport upgrades.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

According to Vulin, this represents the largest investment in Osijek’s public transport system in decades. Plans are also underway for the next major phase – the construction of a new tram depot, with design solutions currently being developed and funding sources explored.

Deputy Prefect of Osijek-Baranja County Josip Miletić congratulated the City of Osijek on the project’s successful implementation, thanking the Ministry of Transport and the Croatian Government for their support.

“Raising infrastructure standards is essential for improving quality of life,” Miletić said, adding that the new vehicles are expected to reduce maintenance costs and improve operational efficiency.

Marija Bezina, Assistant Director at the Central Agency for Financing and Contracting (SAFU), highlighted the strong cooperation with Osijek’s public transport operator GPP.

“This is one of many successful projects implemented in cooperation with GPP Osijek, and we believe this partnership will continue,” she said, announcing the upcoming signing of a contract for 19 new electric buses.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

GPP Osijek Director Darijan Rudan described the project’s completion as a landmark moment for the city.

“This is a big day for Osijek. The project is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and is financed 100 per cent by European Union funds,” Rudan said, noting that its value exceeds €23 million.

He recalled that the first new low-floor tram arrived around 11 months ago, the first such vehicle to reach Osijek in more than 40 years.

“Today, I can proudly say that all 10 trams have arrived in Osijek, but this is only halfway,” Rudan said.

The delivery of all 20 new low-floor trams is expected by July 2027, at which point Osijek’s tram network will be fully modernised, offering residents a more accessible, reliable and sustainable public transport system.